Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul Part 7

Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again; The eternal years of G.o.d are hers; But Error, wounded, writhes in pain, And dies among his worshipers.

Yea, though thou lie upon the dust, When they who helped thee flee in fear, Die full of hope and manly trust, Like those who fell in battle here.

Another hand thy sword shall wield, Another hand the standard wave, Till from the trumpet's mouth is pealed, The blast of triumph o'er thy grave.

--William Cullen Bryant.

DARE YOU?

Doubting Thomas and loving John, Behind the others walking on:

"Tell me now, John, dare you be One of the minority?

To be lonely in your thought, Never visited nor sought, Shunned with secret shrug, to go Through the world esteemed its foe; To be singled out and hissed, Pointed at as one unblessed, Warned against in whispers faint, Lest the children catch a taint; To bear off your t.i.tles well,-- Heretic and infidel?

If you dare, come now with me, Fearless, confident and free."

"Thomas, do you dare to be Of the great majority?

To be only, as the rest, With Heaven's common comforts blessed; To accept, in humble part, Truth that shines on every heart; Never to be set on high, Where the envious curses fly; Never name or fame to find, Still outstripped in soul and mind; To be hid, unless to G.o.d, As one gra.s.s-blade in the sod; Underfoot with millions trod?

If you dare, come with us, be Lost in love's great unity."

--Edward Rowland Sill.

SENSITIVENESS

Time was I shrank from what was right, From fear of what was wrong; I would not brave the sacred fight Because the foe was strong.

But now I cast that finer sense And sorer shame aside; Such dread of sin was indolence, Such aim at heaven was pride.

So when my Saviour calls I rise, And calmly do my best; Leaving to Him, with silent eyes Of hope and fear, the rest.

I step, I mount, where He has led; Men count my haltings o'er; I know them; yet, though self I dread, I love His precept more.

--John Henry Newman.

COURAGE

Because I hold it sinful to despond, And will not let the bitterness of life Blind me with burning tears, but look beyond Its tumult and its strife;

Because I lift my head above the mist, Where the sun shines and the broad breezes blow, By every ray and every raindrop kissed That G.o.d's love doth bestow;

Think you I find no bitterness at all?

No burden to be borne, like Christian's pack?

Think you there are no ready tears to fall Because I keep them back?

Why should I hug life's ills with cold reserve, To curse myself and all who love me? Nay!

A thousand times more good than I deserve G.o.d gives me every day.

And in each one of these rebellious tears Kept bravely back He makes a rainbow shine; Gratefully I take His slightest gift, no fears Nor any doubts are mine.

Dark skies must clear, and when the clouds are past One golden day redeems a weary year; Patient I listen, sure that sweet at last Will sound his voice of cheer.

Then vex me not with chiding. Let me be.

I must be glad and grateful to the end.

I grudge you not your cold and darkness,--me The powers of light befriend.

--Celia Thaxter.

DO AND BE BLEST

Dare to think, though others frown; Dare in words your thoughts express; Dare to rise, though oft cast down; Dare the wronged and scorned to bless.

Dare from custom to depart; Dare the priceless pearl possess; Dare to wear it next your heart; Dare, when others curse, to bless.

Dare forsake what you deem wrong; Dare to walk in wisdom's way, Dare to give where gifts belong, Dare G.o.d's precepts to obey.

Do what conscience says is right, Do what reason says is best, Do with all your mind and might; Do your duty and be blest.

A PLACE WITH HIM

O tired worker, faltering on life's rugged way, With faithful hands so full they may not rest, Forget not that the weak of earth have one sure stay, And humblest ones by G.o.d himself are blest, Who work for Him!

Then courage take, faint heart! and though the path be long G.o.d's simple rule thy steps will safely guide:-- "Love Him, thy neighbor as thyself, and do no wrong"; In calm content they all shall surely bide Who walk with Him!

So banish every fear, each daily task take up, G.o.d's grace thy failing strength shall build anew; His mercy, in thy sorrows, stay the flowing cup: And His great love keep for thy spirit true A place with him!

--J. D. Seabury.

G.o.d A FORTRESS

A mighty fortress is our G.o.d, A bulwark never failing: Our Helper, he, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right man on our side, The man of G.o.d's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth is his name, From age to age the same, And he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us; We will not fear, for G.o.d hath willed His truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of darkness grim-- We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers-- No thanks to them--abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: G.o.d's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.

--Martin Luther, tr. by Frederick H. Hedge.